A senior cabinet minister in Singapore, Subramaniam Iswaran, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for accepting gifts while in office.

Following a high-profile trial, Mr Iswaran will report to Changi Prison, a facility that houses Singapore’s death row inmates on October 7.


The 62-year-old politician pleaded guilty to accepting gifts valued at over S$403,000 (£234,586) while in public office, in addition to obstructing the course of justice.

The gifts Mr Iswaran accepted while in office include tickets to the Formula 1 Grand Prix, a Brompton T-line bicycle, alcohol, and a flight on a private jet.


Justice Vincent Hoong, who presided over the case in Singapore’s High Court, said Mr Iswaran’s actions were an abuse of power that damages public trust in institutions.

“In his letter to the prime minister, he stated he rejected (the charges) and expressed his strong belief he would be acquitted,” said Justice Hoong.
“Thus I have difficulty accepting these are indicative of his remorse.”

He added, “Such persons set the tone for public servants in conducting themselves in accordance with high standards of integrity and must be expected to avoid any perception that they are susceptible to influence by pecuniary benefits.”


Mr Iswaran’s sentencing marked the first time in nearly five decades that a political figure faced trial in court in Singapore, a nation that’s itself for anti- corruption.


Mr Iswaran’s defence team sought a shorter sentence of eight weeks, arguing that the charges did not constitute an abuse of power nor did they disadvantage the government.

However, prosecutors called for a six to seven-month term, asserting that Iswaran was “more than a passive acceptor of gifts.”

Deputy Attorney-General Tai Wei Shyong said, “If public servants could accept substantial gifts in such a situation, over the long-term, public confidence in the impartiality and integrity of government would be severely undermined.”